Vals-les-Bains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vals-les-Bains
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The town hall in Vals-les-Bains
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 Vals-les-Bains
Location in France
Vals-les-Bains
Location in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
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| Country | France | |
| Region | Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes | |
| Department | Ardèche | |
| Arrondissement | Largentière | |
| Canton | Aubenas-1 | |
| Intercommunality | Pays d'Aubenas-Vals | |
| Area
1
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19.2 km2 (7.4 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2008)
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3,737 | |
| • Density | 194.6/km2 (504.1/sq mi) | |
| Demonym(s) | Valsois | |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) | |
| INSEE/Postal code |
07331 /07600
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| Elevation | 250–985 m (820–3,232 ft) (avg. 328 m or 1,076 ft) |
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| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | ||
Vals-les-Bains is a small town, also known as a commune, located in the Ardèche département in southern France. It is famous for its natural spring waters and beautiful scenery.
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Discovering Vals-les-Bains
Vals-les-Bains is a charming place known for its special water springs. It's a popular spot for people who want to relax and enjoy nature. The town is nestled in the Ardèche region, which is known for its mountains and rivers.
Where is Vals-les-Bains?
Vals-les-Bains is located in the southern part of France. It's part of the Ardèche département, which is like a county or administrative area. The town is situated in a valley, surrounded by hills and green landscapes. Its exact location is at coordinates 44.6664 degrees north and 4.3669 degrees east.
Altitude and Area
The town itself is about 328 meters (around 1,076 feet) above sea level. However, the land within the commune goes from a low of 250 meters (820 feet) up to a high of 985 meters (3,232 feet). This means there are some pretty big hills and even small mountains nearby! The total area of Vals-les-Bains is about 19.2 square kilometers (7.4 square miles).
What is a Commune?
In France, a commune is the smallest administrative area. It's like a town or a village with its own local government. Vals-les-Bains is one of many communes in France. Each commune has a mayor and a town council that manage local services and projects.
The People of Vals-les-Bains
The people who live in Vals-les-Bains are called Valsois. As of 2008, there were 3,737 people living in the commune. This makes it a medium-sized town, not too big and not too small.
The Famous Waters of Vals
The name "Vals-les-Bains" literally means "Vals the Baths." This name comes from the town's most famous feature: its natural mineral springs.
How the Springs Work
Deep underground, water flows through rocks and picks up different minerals. In Vals-les-Bains, this water comes to the surface as cold, bubbly springs. There are many different springs, and each one has a slightly different mix of minerals. People have used these waters for their health for hundreds of years.
Health and Wellness
Because of these special waters, Vals-les-Bains became a famous spa town. People visit to drink the water or bathe in it, believing it has health benefits. There are special places called établissements thermaux (thermal establishments) where visitors can receive treatments using the spring water.
Local Government and Life
Like all communes in France, Vals-les-Bains has its own local government. This government helps run the town and make decisions for its residents.
The Mayor of Vals-les-Bains
The mayor is the head of the local government. From 2008 to 2014, the mayor of Vals-les-Bains was Jean-Claude Flory. The mayor and the town council work together to manage things like schools, roads, and local events. They also work with other nearby communes in an organization called "Pays d'Aubenas-Vals" to share resources and plan for the future of the area.
Fun Things to Do in Vals-les-Bains
Besides the thermal baths, Vals-les-Bains offers other activities for visitors and residents.
Exploring Nature
The area around Vals-les-Bains is perfect for outdoor activities. You can go hiking in the hills, explore the local forests, or enjoy the beautiful views of the Ardèche countryside. The Ardèche River is also nearby, offering opportunities for canoeing or simply enjoying the riverside.
Local Culture and Events
The town often hosts local markets where you can find regional products. There are also festivals and events throughout the year that celebrate the local culture and traditions of the Ardèche region.
See also
In Spanish: Vals-les-Bains para niños
